April has been a great month so far for weather. The sun has been out a lot more which means I get to go out and adventure. I went out to Carkeek park, Seattle, Maltby, and looking to get out again each weekend the sun is out. The clouds aren’t too bad, so maybe I can go check out some places even during the overcast days. Have also been looking into a lot more outdoor activities in general. To spend time with my family and friends more. We were looking at renting a home but unfortunately that fell through and we are in our apartment another year, but the backyard is where I want to be. I want those weekends where I can spend my time in the yard relaxing reading a book or playing with my dog, or even having a barbecue. I have a porch but it’s not big enough to accommodate more than two people nor a grill. One day I will have that yard and when I do, I will have so many ideas. I’m sure you who have backyards have already had some ideas for it. If you thought about it, we need to hear about it. Give us a call so we can chat 425-224-2004.
There is no greater honor than having our past clients/friends recommend us to their friends, family and co-workers. To show our appreciation, we would like to invite you to participate in our exclusive client referral
program.
When you refer a friend, family member or co-worker to our company and they sign a
construction contract with us, you will receive 1% of the total project cost on a future project with our company or cash. A $100,000 project=$1,000 credit.
The people who you refer to our company will also receive 1% off of their project costs to be used with their current project.
There is no limit on how many times you can use this program, so the more you use it, the more money you can earn.
We look forward to working with you, your friends and your family.
Trivia Question:
Q: In which country do cherry blossoms signify the beginning of spring?
Call in correct answer for $10 Starbucks Gift Card 425-224-2004
Classic Remodeling NW has made it to the point of installing those massive beams in Lake Stevens. Took a group of 7 guys and 2 lifts to get the steel beams up and in place(secured). The photos above you can see just how big those were and can imagine the teamwork and brain power it took to get those into the home without opening/widening main doorway or lifting the beams in. They used a standard doorway, dollies and had to open the Nano door side to dance the beams into place. When things like this are needed it is always wise to get the pros to take care of it rather than a DIY. This is well over 2000lbs of weight being moved and lifted. The massive beam in the middle is to support the top floor and that has support from below from the new concrete footings. Such a cool thing to see. Now that those are in, drywall is underway and getting closer to finish. That is where you will really see this space come together. If you have a project where you want to remodel/reconfigure your layout, give us a call. We service from Marysville to North Seattle, so if you are in need of a contractor to assist you with your project within these service areas, then give us a call at 425-224-2004. We would love to meet with you and go over your project needs.
Should You Do Home Upgrades Now or Right Before You Sell?
[realtor.com: Cathie Ericson]
Home sellers are often told to make upgrades to their house before they sell. but when is the best time to get those home improvements underway, in terms of scoring the best ROI?
It’s a tough balance to strike. after all, the sooner you remodel your kitchen or retile the bathroom, the more you’ll get to enjoy it all yourself. But if you make those improvements too long before you sell, you risk them looking run-down and outdated but the time you want to market your home. So, when’s the right time to give the green light?
If you’re agonizing over such question, we can end your misery now – in a good way! Here’s how far in advance of listing your home you should do certain home improvements, so they’ll still look fresh enough to fetch top dollar.
1.7 to 10 years out
Well, you’re quite a planner, aren’t you? That’s cool… we’ll play a long game with you. here are upgrades you can safely undertake when you still have significant time until your sale.
1. Redo your landscaping
This is truly one of the few housing projects that gets better with age, since shrubs and trees only improve as they mature. And, bonus: It’s likely that it will never look dated, says Lisa Shiroff of Leafy Green Landscaping in Buena, NJ. However, she cautions, think twice about unique or difficult-to-maintain items if you are concerned with resale value – we’re talking elements like a meditation nook, bocce ball court, or koi pond.
“Most people are not willing to invest the time, energy, or finances to maintain those areas, so keep your additions relatively mainstream and user-friendly,” Shiroff says.
2. Update the garage door
Believe it or not, updating your garage door is the top upgrade you can make in terms of return on investment.
“Curb appeal is key when you’re getting ready to sell your home, and garage doors can dramatically improve the look of your home,” says Matt Edstrom of Goodlife Home Loans in Laguna Hills, CA. Since garage doors can last for up to 40 years, this is an update you can enjoy right now, without worrying about taking a depreciation hit.
3. Replace your roof
If your roof is more than 20 years old and you plan on selling, you may want to replace it, suggests Taylor Willson, owner of Willson Home Inspection Inc. in Tampa, FL. For one thing, you may receive immediate savings from your insurance company, he says, and beyond that, “A newer roof is a great selling point,” Choose a hardy material, like concrete tiles or asphalt shingles, that have a long useful life.
4. Keep up on repairs
Repairs should have a permanent spot on your “to do” list. If it’s broke, then, yes, please fix it.
“Don’t put off repairs while you wait for the optimum time,” says Cristina Miguelez, remodeling specialist at Fixr.com “They help your home retain value and can keep a small problem from becoming exponentially bigger.”
2. 5 years out
This is a good time to start thinking about big-ticket items that will affect your resale and that you won’t want to pay for all at once. Here are some to consider.
1. Replace major systems
We’re talking HVAC systems, plumbing – anything whose average life expectancy is relatively long, and where you want your listing to showcase that these key systems are less than five years old. Replace them now allows you to enjoy the improved operation and potential energy savings, while avoiding concession in the sale price when the time comes, Willson says.
2. Check on anything with a warranty
This is also a good time to do a check on any items that have current warranty – such as windows and appliances – while they are still covered, suggests Frances Dawson, with Re/Max Executive at the Lake in Cornelius, NC.
3. Switch our your front door
Another important element of “curb appeal”, your front door can really make your house pop, says Edstrom, as well as potentially increase your energy efficiency. Front doors can last for decades, but they are also exposed to the elements, so this is a good time frame to allow you to enjoy the aesthetics and energy savings, without running the risk that it will look too weathered come sales time.
Two years is nothing in a home’s history, so it’s time to really start getting serious. here’s what to do to start prepping for a relatively imminent sale.
1. Reno the kitchen or bathroom
This can be subjective, but you’re probably safe doing an overhaul in this time frame if you are hoping to get some personal enjoyment out of your updates. Miguelez suggests, however, that you pick your decor carefully to avoid being stuck with an upgrade that’s already dated.
“A ‘trend’ is something that’s predicted to last roughly 10 years, so your safest bet is to find a look that’s been on the upswing for roughly two to three years,” Miguelez explains. “that means it will look relevant for a while, rather than something that is already five years old and potentially nearing its expiration date.”
Dawson recommends seeing the opinion of a local estate agent, who can steer you to cost-effective updates that will increase the value of your home without over-improving it. And, she says, beware of DIY.
“If you don’t have extensive prior experience, hiring a professional is going to be cheaper in the long run, because the DIY look is unappealing to your potential buyer.”
2. Get to organizing
This is also a good time to start cleaning out storage areas, closets, cabinets, the garage, the attic – anyplace you have an accumulation of stuff, Dawson says. Your future self will thank you for getting this time-consuming project out of the way now.
3. Have a home inspection
Very few sellers do this, but it’s smart to have your home professionally inspected right about now, so you won’t run into any nasty surprises when selling time rolls around.
“It is always less expensive to repair items before you get into negotiations with a buyer,” Dawson points out.
4. 1 year or less
It’s crunch time, and now is the time to attend to all the high-traffic areas, as well as make improvements that will freshen up your listing.
1. Redo flooring
Pets and kids can scratch up your floors quickly, so wait as long as you can before refinishing floors. Replace carpet, too, if it’s dingy, and especially if it has pet odors.
2. Roll on a fresh coat of paint
Walls get dinged up constantly, so painting right before putting your house on the market can really make it sparkle. It’s also a quick job that can get done in a week or two.
3. Replace all your accessory itmes
these are things like bedding, throw pillows, chair cushions, patio furniture, shower curtains, plumbing fixtures, cabinet pulls – all the embellishments that provide the “lipstick” for the foundational elements. Shop those sales and switch out everything you can, Dawson recommends.
“You want the house to shine like a new penny, not appear to be well-loved,” she says.
Lemon Blueberry Dutch baby
Prep Time
5-10 min
Cook Time
15-20 min
Ingredients:
Directions:
ENJOY!!!